People who are looking for places to donate used clothing have a variety of options.

January 14, 2013|Vicki Rock | Staff Writer

The Salvation Army Family Store, 1527 N. Center Ave., Somerset, has clothing bins in the back of the building where donations may be deposited. Amy Secrest, assistant manager, said the clothing is sent to the center in Altoona where it is hung up, sorted and sent out to the various Salvation Army Family Stores.

"We are getting a lot of requests for coats," she said. "Many people who shop here can't afford clothing from other stores."

The thrift store accepts other items, too, but doesn't accept large appliances.

The Community Action Partnership for Somerset County, Tableland Services, operates two clothing programs. People who are eligible for benefits through the Department of Public Welfare can be referred by that agency for the state Work Wear program. People may receive clothing through the Clothing Works for a Fresh Start program, which does not have an income requirement. Danielle Wismer-Bowers is in charge of both programs.

People may donate clothing by taking it to the Tableland office at 535 E. Main St., Somerset. People wanting to get clothing should call that office at 814-445-9628 and ask for Wismer-Bowers.

In the past several months yellow Planet Aid clothes bins have appeared in various locations in Somerset. Tammy Sproule, public relations manager for Planet Aid, said donations of clothing and shoes may be left in the boxes.

"We prefer just that, but we have gotten other things like blankets that help," she said. "But people have left sofas and even a piano at boxes. Please don't."

Planet Aid sells clothing in some places in the United States. It also bundles clothes and sells them in bulk to recycling companies that ship them overseas to be reused as rags, furniture padding or insulation materials. Proceeds are used for international projects.

"We have a number of development projects, including teacher training, treatment for HIV, AIDS and malaria," Sproule said. "We support farmers' groups and vocational schools. But teacher training is a big program. The teachers stay in their communities and foster community development."

The nonprofit has headquarters in Elkridge, Md., and administrative offices in Massachusetts. The website www.planetaid.org gives more information about the organization. People can also go on the website and search for bin locations by ZIP code.

"We appreciate donations," she said.

Goodwill Industries of the Conemaugh Valley Inc. did not reply to a request for comment.